4 November 2009
Maputo — The Mozambican government on Tuesday approved a contingency plan for the 2009/2010 rainy season, aiming at identifying the main threats that may be caused by heavy rains and cyclones during the period between November 2009 and March 2010, and finding solutions to mitigate their effects.
According to the government's spokesperson, Deputy Education Minister Luis Covane, the plan is budgeted at 120 million meticais (about 4.4 million US dollars), and includes actions to be taken before, during, and after possible disasters.
The plan also makes an inventory of all the necessary material, equipment, staff and financial resources for the operation.
"The general objective of the plan is to create conditions for the country to be prepared to face disaster situations that may endanger people, property and infrastructures and the environment', said Covane.
The government also approved the creation of a centre in the northern province of Nampula to treat and cut gemstones. Covane said this decision was taking because the country has been losing money as a result of the low prices of untreated Mozambican gemstones on the market.
"Mozambique is regarded as a major producer and supplier of gems, such as emeralds, rubies, turmalines, garnets, opals and agates, among many others, which we have been exporting at lower prices than those practiced on the international market", said Covane.
He said one of the main constraints Mozambique has been facing is the lack of a unit to cut precious and semi-precious stones, the shortage of staff specialized in this area, and the lack of a body to regulate the price of gems.
'By creating this centre we want to change this situation', said Covane.
The Cabinet also approved a decree that creates the National Atomic Energy Agency, charged with the task of protecting people and property, and the environment against exposure to radiation.
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